A Smashing Shave in Split

Having a couple of days to spend in Split, Croatia, I tried to fit in a little bit of investigation for The Tweed Pig. I found some interesting hand-made shoes in the Green Market. They had what seemed like old car tyre as a sole, which was nailed to the upper. Quite ugly, but quite unique. I should have taken a photo. Sloppy work.

Split, Croatia

Split is a beautiful city, with lots to entertain and surprise, particularly within the walls of the Diocletian's Palace - the most complete Roman palace in existence. Hell of a lot of Australians around. They were being matey seemingly everywhere.

Surprisingly, considering Croatia is reputedly the home of the cravat - whence it gets its name - there was little tie action to be found. It was blisteringly hot though, mid-30s. Linen trousers and sea-island cotton polo shirts were the order of the day.   

However - and its always something I seek out in a new place - I did find an old-school barber's shop where I could get a no-nonsense haircut and a good wet shave. (A good barber's shop where you can get an unfussy shave and haircut is definitely a consideration for the Tweed Pig Index of Civilised Cities.) 

Recollections of the shave and haircut. See how it compares with your local barber:

• Shave
• Shaving cream applied with brush.
• Two passes with an open razor. First going with the direction of the beard. Second going against the direction.
• Open razor with disposable blade used on ears and back of neck. 
• Cold water splashed on the shaved face.
• Alum rubbed on neck.  
• Ralon Classic applied over face (see below).

•  Haircut
• Clippers applied to back and around ears.
• Hair washed.
• Scissor work in which the scissors were held in a very becoming pen style. 
• More work on the ears with clippers and scissors. Three instruments used on ears. (Starting to think I have pretty hairy ears.)
• A parting and brush into shape. Bit of wax to hold.
• Dab of cologne behind ears.
• Talc brushed on neck.

A very agreeable start to the day. Well cut hair and a refreshing close shave - although it was not quite as close as a shave I had in Rhodes - facial hair refused to appear for almost three days. Downside to that one was the old duffer had cut me to ribbons.

The medical side of after-shaves

Intrigued by the sweet medicinal whiff coming from the application of Ralon Classic after my shave, I bought a bottle. A souvenir. Uncompromising label, shall we say. The composition includes camphor, sorbitol, boric acid, menthol and citronella. Unlikely to attract celebrity endorsements (or mosquitoes), which is something I suppose.